Jeri Janet Ellsworth was born on August 14, 1974. Details of her early childhood are relatively scarce, but it's known that she developed an early interest in mechanics and engineering, reportedly starting with go-kart racing.

Ellsworth developed a passion for go-kart racing during her youth. This fueled her interest in mechanics and engineering, leading her to tinker and experiment with engines and other mechanical components. This hands-on experience laid the foundation for her future endeavors in hardware design and modification.

Entirely self-taught, Ellsworth started delving into the world of computers and electronics. She honed her skills by reverse-engineering hardware, experimenting with circuit boards, and developing a deep understanding of electronic components. This self-directed learning became a hallmark of her career.

Ellsworth opened a computer repair shop, demonstrating her practical skills and entrepreneurial spirit. This venture provided her with real-world experience in diagnosing and fixing hardware issues, further solidifying her knowledge and confidence in electronics.

Ellsworth gained wider recognition for her C64 Direct-to-TV project, a single-chip implementation of the Commodore 64. This project showcased her expertise in reverse-engineering and miniaturization, creating a complete retro gaming system on a single chip and solidifying her reputation as a hardware hacker and designer. She was contracted by Irwin Jacobs (Qualcomm Founder) to take the project commercial, but later lost control of the design.

Ellsworth became a popular figure at tech and maker fairs, showcasing her projects and sharing her knowledge with others. Her enthusiastic presentations and willingness to share her expertise inspired many aspiring engineers and hackers. She became a symbol for self-taught innovators.

Ellsworth joined Valve Corporation, the company behind popular video games like Half-Life and Portal. Her role at Valve involved research and development of augmented reality technologies, contributing to Valve's pioneering efforts in this emerging field. She worked on projects related to head-mounted displays and interactive gaming experiences.

Ellsworth, along with Rick Johnson, co-founded Technical Illusions, a company focused on developing CastAR, an augmented reality headset that projected 3D images onto a retro-reflective surface. This venture was initially funded through Kickstarter, demonstrating strong public interest in their innovative AR technology.

Technical Illusions, the company behind CastAR, was acquired and subsequently shut down in 2017. This marked a setback for Ellsworth and her team after pouring years into developing the innovative augmented reality technology.

Following the shutdown of CastAR, Ellsworth continued to engage with the maker community through open-source hardware projects and her YouTube channel. She uses her platform to share her knowledge, inspire others, and continue pushing the boundaries of hardware design and experimentation. Her projects often focus on reverse engineering, retro computing, and creating unique electronic devices.